Chapter 3
Jayden? This kid is in the same class as Paisley?‘ Cassidy thought, taking half a step back in shock.
Paisley wrapped her arms around Cassidy’s neck and explained innocently, “Mommy, Carlson bullied me. I didn’t scratch him
on purpose…
“Hey, what are you talking about?” Felicia stood up in agitation and interrupted, “Since when did my son bully you?”
Startled by Felicia’s sharp voice, Paisley shrank back. Jayden glanced up, giving Felicia a cold glare.
Cassidy snapped out of her reverie and regained her composure, turning to Felicia. “Was I speaking to you?”
Watch your attitudel Felicia shot back ac
Cassidy curled her lips slightly and raised an eyebrow accentuated by eyeliner. Her tailored suit highlighted her poised demeanor. “Were you present when the children were fighting? Were you involved? I haven’t heard all the details yet, but here you are, aggressive and rude like a shrew,” she remarked calmly.
“A shrew? Who are you calling a shrew?” Felicia exclaimed
Ignoring Felicia’s outburst, Cassidy said to Paisley gently. “How did he bully you? Tell me. I’m here. Don’t be afraid.”
“He touched my leg when I was taking a nap. Mommy, you said I can’t let other people touch the areas covered by clothes. I tried to push him away, but I accidentally scratched him,” Paisley replied.
Cassidy looked at Felicia. “See? Your son bullied my daughter first, and you’re now playing the victim?”
“My son is only five. He doesn’t know any better at this age. It’s not like he did it on purpose! Look at his injuries. He needed three stitches on his forehead. If it leaves a scar, how will you compensate him? How do you discipline your child!” Felicia argued unreasonably.
“He doesn’t even understand basic boundaries between boys and girls, yet at five, he knows how to be handsy with a little girl. How do you discipline your child?” Cassidy retorted firmly.
“That’s none of your business! But your daughter hit my son. She’s not innocent either,” Felicia criticized sharply. She then turned her attention to the other culprit, glaring at Jayden and demanding, “Where are his parents? Why haven’t they come yet?”
Pablo intervened, “Mrs. Moore, please calm down…”
“Mr. Atkins, why are you backing this kid up like that? Seems like he’s got some influential connections, huh? But that doesn’t excuse bullying. Got it? Why don’t you check out the Moore family’s reputation in Broburgh? Are you familiar with my husband, Charles Moore? Let me ask you once more. Who’s responsible for the wound on my son’s forehead?” Felicia shouted,
“Me.” Jayden spoke coldly. All eyes turned toward him as he stood up from the stool, his posture straight and his handsome face showing indifference and contempt. “I did it.”
“How dare you behave so brazenly after hitting my son! Since your parents don’t discipline you, I’ll do it for them!” Felicia exclaimed furiously, charging towards Jayden with her hand raised high.
Before Felicia’s slap could reach Jayden’s face, Cassidy swiftly intervened, stepping forward to intercept her hand. “Are you as uncivilized as your son?”
“Who do you think you are to talk to me?” Felicia snapped, but before the words had fully left her mouth, the door swung open. Pablo’s assistant hurried in, stammering, “Mr. Atkins, M–Mr. Howell is here…”
Heavy footsteps sounded behind her–they obviously belonged to a man, filled with authority that commanded attention.
Soon, Nathan in a dark suit entered right after the assistant. His towering six–foot–four–inch frame seemed to fill the office with tension. His expression was icy cold, chilling the atmosphere. As he stood in the light, Cassidy could only catch a glimpse of his angular profile and his thin, yet striking lips. His features, partly obscured in shadows, conveyed a sense of intimidation and solemnity.
Nathan… Cassidy turned around and instinctively cradled Paisley protectively in her arms. She hadn’t expected to encounter him here.
Η
Cluquer 3
Nathan’s gaze immediately fell upon Cassidy the moment he entered the room. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her back and caught sight of Paisley, half of her face peeking out from the crook of Cassidy’s arm. The little girl stared back at him timidly, her delicate features tinged with shyness.
Felicia was momentarily taken aback by Nathan’s striking appearance. Quickly regaining her composure, she pointed accusingly at him and asked, “You’re Jayden’s dad, aren’t you?”
Nathan turned his gaze toward her. “Yes”
“Look at what your son did to my child. He needed stitches on his face! Give me an explanation!” Felicia demanded.
Nathan arched an eyebrow, his voice cool and collected. “Are you talking to me?”
“Who else if not you? Quit putting on airs! Who do you think you are?” Felicia retorted.
“Nathan Howell,” Nathan stated indifferently, his gaze steady and penetrating. Despite the distance between them, his icy demeanor seemed to suffocate her.
“Nathan…” Felicia muttered the name, her voice faltering as realization dawned on her. ‘Nathan Howell? The CEO of Cypress Corporation?
While she had never seen Nathan in person before, his name–a symbol of authority and prominence–was widely known, yet seemingly out of her grasp.
Taxes, death, and the indomitable Howell family were the three things Clusians couldn’t escape from since birth. The Howells, with their vast wealth and influence through Cypress Corporation, dominated investments in hotels, education, hospitals, electrical appliances, extensive supermarket chains, and digital enterprises, nearly monopolizing Clusia’s economy. The man who stood before her was Nathan, the scion of the Howell family.
“Mommy, this man is so scary.” Paisley whispered at an inopportune moment.
Nathan turned toward the voice, spotting the little girl nestled in Cassidy’s arms, her doe–like eyes peering at him cautiously.
Cassidy held Paisley close, soothing her gently. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Mommy’s right here.”
Jayden spoke up. “Daddy, when we were napping this afternoon, he crawled onto Paisley’s bed, touched her, and tried to kiss her.” He paused before putting on an icy expression that mirrored his father’s, saying, “I hate him.”
Felicia trembled violently, her demeanor shifting dramatically as she pleaded, “This is all a misunderstanding, Mr. Howell! 1 was ignorant and didn’t know Jayden was your son. Please be the bigger person and let this slide.”
SEND GIFT
